Foster extends Centurions contract

Mark Taylor

Centurions exercised their option for next year and also extended Lewis’s contract for a further year till 2017.

The 21-year-old hooker or halfback was formerly with St Helens and earned a full-time playing contract for this season after impressing in Paul Anderson’s Reserves side in 2014. He made his first-team debut last year against Doncaster in May.

Leigh Centurions head of rugby Derek Beaumont said: “It is important to recognise the improvement in our younger players. Lewis has enjoyed his first season as a full-time professional and is improving all the time.

“While at this stage he hasn’t had much first team experience he has made his debut and has continued to impress in our Reserves under Paul Anderson. We believe Lewis has got what it takes to develop into a top level nine in the game and it is great that he has committed to extending beyond our option where he can continue to learn from Paul and others around him.

“Lewis has a good attitude and is patient and understands exactly where we see him in the Club which is important for him to progress at the right pace. Lewis has a bright future at Leigh Centurions.”

Leigh coach Paul Rowley said: “I am delighted to retain Lewis Foster he has a big future at this Club and in the game. He’s a confident player with the talent and bravery to back that up.

“As always it’s important that our player fits in well with the group of which Lewis certainly does, as he is a popular young man with both his peers and the staff. I have spoken to Lewis about what is required of him to continue his progression and he is determined and focused to work hard and meet the challenges ahead.”